Hervé Ascensio is professor of international law at the Sorbonne Law School, University of Paris 1 (Panthéon-Sorbonne), director of the Department of Master Degrees in International, European and Comparative Law, and director of the master degree in Global Business Law and Governance. He is the author of numerous publications on general public international law, international economic law, and international criminal law. He has advised the Government of France before the International Court of Justice, and has acted as an expert for States or investors in investment cases before arbitral tribunals or national courts. He is also a member of the Court of conciliation and arbitration within the OSCE, as alternate arbitrator. Professor Ascensio is a member and former Secretary General of the French Society for International Law, a member of the American Society of International Law, the International Institute of Human Rights, the Société de Législation comparée, the International Law Association (French branch).

His current research focuses on some aspects of international dispute settlement, notably the distinction jurisdiction/competence/admissibility, and the law of evidence.